Historical Events on May 15: Significant Moments in History

Throughout history, certain dates stand out for the remarkable events that unfolded on them. From turning points in politics to cultural breakthroughs, these days often carry significance that echoes through time. Explore the most important events that occurred on May 15, revealing the lasting impact they've had on the world.

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Events on May 15 - Key Moments Throughout History

  • 1900 William A. Clark Senate Resignation Controversy: William A. Clark, a controversial Montana senator, resigned from the United States Senate amid potential expulsion proceedings. Clark was known for his significant wealth and alleged corruption in obtaining his Senate seat, which led to intense political scrutiny and debate within the Senate chamber.
  • 1901 First Regular Airmail Service Established in the United States: On May 15, 1901, the United States inaugurated its first regular airmail service, establishing a daily round trip between Washington, D.C., and New York. This milestone represented a significant advancement in communication infrastructure and transportation technology, laying the groundwork for future postal and communication networks.
  • 1902 First Powered Aircraft Flight by Lyman Gilmore: On a field outside Grass Valley, California, inventor Lyman Gilmore reportedly achieved a groundbreaking milestone in aviation history by flying a steam-powered glider, potentially becoming one of the earliest pioneers of powered flight before the Wright Brothers.
  • 1903 Execution of Panamanian Revolutionary Victoriano Lorenzo: Victoriano Lorenzo, a prominent revolutionary leader fighting for Panama's independence from Gran Colombia, was executed on this date. His death was a pivotal moment in the complex struggle for Panamanian sovereignty, symbolizing the human cost of liberation movements in Latin America during the early 20th century.
  • 1904 Photographic Documentation of Congo Free State Atrocities: On May 15, 1904, photographer Alice Seeley Harris captured a powerful and haunting image of Nsala of Wala from the Nsongo District. This photograph was part of a critical documentation effort exposing the brutal human rights abuses in King Leopold II's Congo Free State, helping to raise international awareness about the systematic exploitation and violence against Congolese people.
  • 1905 Downtown Las Vegas Founding: The foundational auction of 110 acres (0.4 km²) takes place, establishing what would later become the downtown area of Las Vegas, Nevada.
  • 1906 Birth of Humberto Delgado: Humberto Delgado, a prominent Portuguese general and influential political figure, was born on May 15, 1906. He would later become known for his significant role in Portuguese political history and resistance against authoritarian rule.
  • 1907 Tiflis Bank Robbery of 1907: On May 15, 1907, a dramatic and audacious bank robbery occurred in Tiflis (modern-day Tbilisi), then part of the Russian Empire. This event was one of the most significant and largest bank heists in early 20th-century history. The robbery was notable for its scale, planning, and the political context of the time, which was marked by revolutionary tensions in the Russian Empire. The incident involved a coordinated attack on a bank, likely carried out by revolutionary groups seeking funds to support their political activities.
  • 1908 First Public Celebration of Mother's Day in the United States: Anna Jarvis organized the first official public celebration of Mother's Day on May 10, 1908, in Grafton, West Virginia, and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This event marked a pivotal moment in recognizing mothers and their contributions to family and society. Jarvis, inspired by her own mother's dedication and love, campaigned tirelessly to establish a national day honoring mothers. The celebration quickly gained popularity and was officially recognized as a national holiday in 1914 by President Woodrow Wilson.
  • 1909 Saint Paulinus of Nola's Symbolic Return: Saint Paulinus of Nola, a significant early Christian bishop and poet, symbolically returned to his hometown of Nola in Southern Italy. This event represents a profound moment of historical and religious significance, highlighting the enduring connection between a spiritual leader and his place of origin. Paulinus, known for his theological writings and charitable works, was an important figure in the transition of the Roman Empire from paganism to Christianity during the late 4th and early 5th centuries.
  • 1910 Italy National Football Team's First International Match: The Italy national football team played its inaugural international match, achieving a remarkable 6-2 victory against France in Milan, marking a significant milestone in the nation's sporting history.
  • 1911 Standard Oil Antitrust Case: In a landmark antitrust decision, the United States Supreme Court declares Standard Oil Company of New Jersey an 'unreasonable' monopoly under the Sherman Antitrust Act, ordering the company to be broken up into multiple smaller entities.
  • 1912 37th Preakness Stakes Horse Race: Jockey Clarence Turner rode Colonel Holloway to victory in the 37th Preakness Stakes, completing the race in an impressive time of 1 minute and 56.6 seconds. This historic horse racing event took place at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland.
  • 1913 Rockefeller Foundation Chartered in New York: On May 15, 1913, New York Governor William Sulzer officially approved the charter for the Rockefeller Foundation, a landmark philanthropic organization established with an unprecedented initial endowment of $100 million from industrialist John D. Rockefeller. This substantial donation represented one of the largest charitable contributions of its time, signaling a new era of strategic philanthropy focused on addressing global challenges in public health, education, and scientific research.
  • 1914 First Werkbund Exhibition in Cologne: The inaugural Werkbund Exhibition was held at Rheinpark in Cologne, Germany, showcasing groundbreaking architectural designs by prominent architects like Bruno Taut, Walter Gropius, Adolf Meyer, and Henry van de Velde, representing a pivotal moment in modernist design and industrial aesthetics.
  • 1915 Costly British Offensive in Artois During World War I: British and Indian troops launch a major offensive against German positions in the Artois region of France, preceded by an extensive 60-hour artillery bombardment. Despite the massive preparatory bombardment, the Allied forces advance only 1,000 yards at an enormous human cost of 16,000 casualties, highlighting the brutal and often futile nature of World War I trench warfare.
  • 1916 Lynching of Jesse Washington: A horrific racially motivated murder occurred in Waco, Texas, where Jesse Washington, a 17-year-old African American farmhand, was brutally lynched after being falsely accused of raping and murdering his white employer's wife. This tragic event exemplified the systemic racism and extrajudicial violence prevalent in the early 20th-century American South.
  • 1917 Naval Clash in Straits of Otranto: During World War I, a significant naval engagement occurred in the Straits of Otranto between British and Austrian naval forces. In this intense maritime confrontation, fourteen British drifters were sunk, highlighting the brutal naval warfare of the conflict.
  • 1918 Henry Johnson's Heroic World War I Defense: On the night of May 15, 1918, African American soldier Pvt. Henry Johnson of the 369th Infantry Regiment (Harlem Helghters) displayed extraordinary courage during World War I. Facing a German raid of approximately 20 soldiers, Johnson fought ferociously to defend himself and his wounded comrade, Pvt. Needham Roberts. Using a French rifle, hand grenades, and a bolo knife, he repelled the attack despite sustaining 21 wounds, embodying exceptional bravery and resilience.
  • 1919 First Transatlantic Flight Departure: A U.S. Navy Curtiss aircraft (NC-4), commanded by Albert Cushing Read, departed from Trepassey, Newfoundland, embarking on a groundbreaking journey across the Atlantic Ocean to the Azores and then to Lisbon, Portugal. This marked a significant milestone in aviation history.
  • 1920 Canonization of Joan of Arc: Pope Benedict XV presided over the historic canonization ceremony of Joan of Arc at St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. The event was a major religious milestone, attended by over 30,000 people, including 140 descendants of Joan of Arc's family. The basilica was elaborately decorated for this momentous religious recognition.
  • 1921 McDonald's Bar-B-Q Restaurant Established: Brothers Maurice 'Mac' and Richard 'Dick' McDonald opened their first restaurant, McDonald's Bar-B-Q, in San Bernardino, California, marking the humble beginnings of what would become a global fast-food empire.
  • 1922 German-Polish Upper Silesia Convention: The German-Polish Convention regarding Upper Silesia was signed in Geneva, establishing a formal agreement for the territorial division of the former Prussian province of Upper Silesia. This diplomatic resolution was part of the post-World War I territorial negotiations and ethnic boundary settlements.
  • 1923 Dutch Windmill Cooperation Formation: On May 15, 1923, a significant cooperative organization for Dutch windmill operators was established, marking an important moment in preserving traditional Dutch agricultural and industrial heritage. This cooperative likely aimed to support windmill owners, share resources, and maintain these iconic structures that were crucial to the Netherlands' water management and grain production.
  • 1924 Eugene O'Neill's Groundbreaking Play Premieres: Eugene O'Neill's provocative play 'All God's Chillun Got Wings', inspired by a Negro spiritual, premiered in New York City, starring the renowned Paul Robeson. The production was significant for its bold exploration of racial themes during the Harlem Renaissance period.
  • 1925 First Arabic Communist Newspaper Launched: Al-Insaniyyah, a groundbreaking publication, was established as the first Arabic-language communist newspaper. This marked a significant moment in the spread of communist ideology and political discourse within the Arabic-speaking world.
  • 1926 NHL Expands to Detroit: The National Hockey League approves a franchise team in Detroit, which would later become the legendary Red Wings, an organization that would go on to win 11 Stanley Cup championships and become one of the most storied franchises in hockey history.
  • 1927 Civil War in Nicaragua Ends with U.S. Mediation: On May 15, 1927, the Nicaraguan Civil War concluded through diplomatic intervention by the United States. President Adolfo Díaz sought U.S. President Calvin Coolidge's assistance in supervising elections to ensure transparency and fairness. U.S. envoy Henry L. Stimson played a crucial role as an intermediary, facilitating negotiations between Díaz and rebel leader José María Moncada. The Tipitapa Agreement outlined the terms of peace, which included the disarmament of Moncada's troops and the subsequent arrangement of elections. This intervention was part of the United States' broader policy of interventionism in Latin America during the early 20th century, aimed at maintaining political stability and protecting American interests in the region.
  • 1928 Walt Disney's First Mickey Mouse Silent Film Premiere: Walt Disney premiered his groundbreaking animated short film 'Plane Crazy' as a sneak preview at a theatre on Sunset Boulevard in Los Angeles, California. This silent film marked the first public appearance of Mickey and Minnie Mouse, introducing characters that would become global cultural icons.
  • 1929 Cleveland Clinic Fire Tragedy: A devastating fire at the Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, Ohio resulted in the deaths of 123 people. The incident was caused by a catastrophic interaction between a steam pipe and volatile nitrate x-ray film, leading to violent explosions and the release of toxic vapors that trapped and killed many hospital occupants.
  • 1930 Sarojini Naidu Leads Nonviolent Protest at Dharasana Salt Works: On May 15, 1930, Sarojini Naidu led a peaceful demonstration of volunteers at the Dharasana salt works during India's Salt Satyagraha movement. When confronted by police, the protesters employed nonviolent resistance by sitting down and waiting throughout the day, embodying Mahatma Gandhi's principles of civil disobedience against British colonial salt taxation laws.
  • 1931 Pope Pius XI's Quadragesimo Anno Encyclical: Pope Pius XI published the landmark encyclical Quadragesimo Anno, a significant papal document addressing social and economic issues, providing Catholic Church's perspective on social reconstruction and economic justice in the aftermath of World War I and during the Great Depression.
  • 1932 Assassination of Japanese Prime Minister Inukai Tsuyoshi: On May 15, 1932, Prime Minister Inukai Tsuyoshi was assassinated by 11 young naval officers in an attempted coup d'état. The ultranationalist plotters, including naval officers and army cadets from the League of Blood, confronted Inukai at his residence, spoke with him briefly, and then shot him around 5:30 PM. He succumbed to his injuries later that night at 11:20 PM.
  • 1933 Formation of the Luftwaffe: On May 15, 1933, all military aviation organizations within or under the control of the Reich Air Ministry (RLM) of Germany were officially and covertly merged to form the Wehrmacht's air arm, the Luftwaffe. This strategic consolidation marked a significant step in Nazi Germany's military reorganization and rearmament efforts.
  • 1934 Kārlis Ulmanis Seizes Power in Latvia: Kārlis Ulmanis, a prominent Latvian political leader, executed a self-coup, establishing an authoritarian government by suspending the constitution and dissolving the Saeima (parliament). This political maneuver effectively ended Latvia's democratic experiment and consolidated Ulmanis's personal power, marking a significant shift in the country's political landscape.
  • 1935 Italian Propaganda Against Ethiopia: Italian newspapers launched a propaganda campaign justifying a potential invasion of Ethiopia. The newspaper Il Giornale d'Italia published inflammatory rhetoric, claiming Ethiopia's cultural inferiority and using racist language to rationalize colonial ambitions, which would soon lead to the Second Italo-Ethiopian War.
  • 1936 Amy Johnson's Record-Breaking Flight to Cape Town: British aviator Amy Johnson completed a remarkable return flight from England to Cape Town, further establishing her reputation as a pioneering female pilot and adventurer. Her achievement highlighted the growing capabilities of long-distance aviation in the 1930s.
  • 1937 63rd Preakness Stakes Won by War Admiral: Charley Kurtsinger rode the legendary racehorse War Admiral to victory in the 63rd Preakness Stakes, completing the race in an impressive time of 1:58.4. War Admiral was a celebrated thoroughbred racehorse and would later become famous for his historic match race against Seabiscuit.
  • 1938 Formation of Red Coalition in Belgium: Paul-Henri Spaak, a prominent Belgian politician, successfully formed a red coalition government in Belgium, marking a significant moment in the country's pre-World War II political landscape. This coalition represented a strategic alignment of left-leaning political forces during a period of increasing political tension in Europe.
  • 1939 Ravensbrück Concentration Camp Opens: The Ravensbrück concentration camp, primarily designed for women, was established by Nazi Germany. This camp would become one of the most notorious sites of human rights violations during the Holocaust, imprisoning and killing thousands of women, children, and other victims.
  • 1940 France Admits Defeat to Britain: French Premier Paul Reynaud telephoned British Prime Minister Winston Churchill in the morning, delivering the devastating news: "We have been defeated; we have lost the battle", signaling the imminent fall of France during World War II.
  • 1941 First British Jet Aircraft Takes Flight: The Gloster E.28/39 made its maiden flight, marking a significant milestone in British and Allied aviation technology during World War II. This pioneering jet aircraft represented a revolutionary leap in aerospace engineering.
  • 1942 Japanese Conquest of Burma: Japanese military forces successfully captured Burma, a strategic territory in Southeast Asia, significantly expanding their control in the region during World War II.
  • 1943 Warsaw Ghetto Uprising Ends: The heroic Warsaw Ghetto Uprising, a significant act of Jewish resistance against Nazi deportations and extermination, comes to an end after nearly a month of fierce fighting.
  • 1944 D-Day Strategic Planning Meeting: Allied leaders Dwight Eisenhower, Bernard Montgomery, Winston Churchill, and King George VI convened a critical strategic meeting to finalize the detailed plans for the D-Day invasion, a pivotal moment in World War II that would ultimately determine the course of the European theater.
  • 1945 Last European Battle of World War II: On May 15, 1945, the final military engagement of World War II in Europe took place near Prevalje, Slovenia. This skirmish marked the conclusive moment of armed conflict on the European continent, signaling the definitive end of World War II in the region. The Battle of Poljana represented the last resistance of Axis forces against the advancing Allied troops, effectively bringing an end to the war in Europe.
  • 1946 USCG Eagle Commissioned: America's Tall Ship: On May 15, 1946, the United States Coast Guard commissioned the USCG Eagle, a prestigious sailing vessel that would become known as 'America's Tall Ship'. Originally a German naval training ship seized after World War II, the Eagle was transformed into a critical training vessel for Coast Guard cadets. The three-masted barque serves as an essential educational platform, teaching maritime skills, leadership, and seamanship to future Coast Guard officers through hands-on sailing experiences.
  • 1948 Israel Declares Independence: On May 15, 1948, David Ben-Gurion formally proclaimed the establishment of the State of Israel, marking a pivotal moment in Jewish national history. This declaration came immediately after the British Mandate of Palestine ended, setting the stage for immediate regional conflict.
  • 1949 Hungarian Parliamentary Elections under Communist Influence: On May 15, 1949, Hungary held parliamentary elections that marked the beginning of a non-competitive electoral process characteristic of the Communist era. These elections represented a significant moment in the country's political transformation, signaling the consolidation of Communist power and the suppression of democratic political pluralism.
  • 1950 TIME Magazine U.S. Edition Highlights National and International Affairs: The May 15, 1950 issue of TIME Magazine provides a comprehensive overview of the United States during a pivotal post-World War II period. The edition covers a range of significant topics including national political developments, international relations, labor dynamics, economic trends, and corporate leadership changes. Notably, the issue features insights into Wall Street's economic landscape and highlights leadership transitions at major corporations like Lever Brothers, reflecting the dynamic business environment of the early 1950s.
  • 1951 Treaty of San Francisco Takes Effect: The Treaty of San Francisco officially ends the state of war between Japan and the Allied Powers, formally concluding World War II's legal hostilities and paving the way for Japan's post-war reconstruction.
  • 1952 Israel-Japan Diplomatic Relations Established: On May 15, 1952, Israel and Japan formally established diplomatic relations at the level of legations, marking a significant milestone in international diplomacy during the post-World War II era. This diplomatic connection represented an important step in building bilateral ties between two nations with distinct cultural and geopolitical backgrounds.
  • 1953 Miller-Urey Experiment Published: Stanley Miller published groundbreaking results from the Miller-Urey experiment in the journal Science, demonstrating how organic molecules essential to life could form from simple inorganic chemicals, revolutionizing understanding of life's origins.
  • 1954 Brown v. Board of Education Supreme Court Ruling: The United States Supreme Court unanimously ruled in Brown v. Board of Education that racial segregation in public schools is unconstitutional, marking a pivotal moment in the American Civil Rights Movement. This landmark decision overturned the previous 'separate but equal' doctrine established by Plessy v. Ferguson in 1896 and paved the way for desegregation and racial integration in American education.
  • 1955 Austrian Independence Treaty Signed: The Austrian State Treaty was signed by the United Kingdom, United States, Soviet Union, and France, officially restoring Austria's national sovereignty and establishing it as a neutral country following World War II.
  • 1956 Tragic Avro Canada CF-100 Canuck Military Aircraft Crash: On May 15, 1956, a devastating aviation accident occurred in Orléans, Ontario, Canada, when an Avro Canada CF-100 Canuck military aircraft crashed into a convent. The crash resulted in a tragic loss of life, with fifteen people killed, including eleven members of the Grey Nuns religious community. This incident highlighted the inherent risks in military aviation training and testing during the mid-1950s.
  • 1957 Britain's First Hydrogen Bomb Test: On May 15, 1957, the United Kingdom conducted its first hydrogen bomb test over Christmas Island as part of Operation Grapple, marking a significant milestone in the nation's nuclear weapons development during the Cold War era.
  • 1958 Soviet Union Launches Sputnik 3: The Soviet Union launched Sputnik 3, a significant milestone in the Space Race. At 2,925 pounds (1,327 kg), it was the heaviest artificial satellite placed in orbit at that time, demonstrating the USSR's advanced space technology capabilities.
  • 1959 Andrew Eldritch Birth: Andrew Eldritch, the influential rock musician and lead singer of the gothic rock band Sisters of Mercy, was born on May 15, 1959. Known for iconic songs like 'Walk Away' and 'Black Planet', Eldritch would become a pivotal figure in the alternative and gothic rock music scenes of the 1980s and 1990s.
  • 1960 First Operational Laser Created: Theodore Maiman successfully operates the first functional laser at Hughes Research Laboratory in Malibu, California. By focusing a high-powered flash lamp on a silver-coated ruby rod, Maiman demonstrated a groundbreaking technology that would revolutionize scientific research, communications, and multiple industrial applications.
  • 1961 Breakthrough in Genetic Code Understanding: Heinrich Matthaei performed the groundbreaking Poly-U-Experiment, marking a pivotal moment in modern genetics by first recognizing and deciphering the genetic code. This scientific milestone fundamentally transformed our understanding of molecular biology and heredity.
  • 1962 US Atmospheric Nuclear Test at Christmas Island: The United States performs an atmospheric nuclear test at Christmas Island, continuing its nuclear weapons testing program during the height of the Cold War nuclear arms race.
  • 1963 Final Mercury Mission: Gordon Cooper's Historic Spaceflight: On May 15, 1963, NASA launched Mercury-Atlas 9 with astronaut Gordon Cooper, marking the culmination of the Mercury space program. Cooper became the first American to spend more than a day in space and was the last American astronaut to complete a solo space mission. His flight aboard Faith 7 represented a significant milestone in early U.S. human spaceflight efforts.
  • 1964 US Nuclear Test at Nevada Test Site: The United States conducted a nuclear test at the Nevada Test Site, continuing its Cold War-era nuclear weapons development and testing program during the height of the nuclear arms race.
  • 1965 Zugspitze Avalanche Incident: A devastating avalanche descended from Germany's highest mountain, the Zugspitze, striking the Hotel Schneefernerhaus near Garmisch-Partenkirchen and causing potential damage or casualties.
  • 1966 First U.S. Military Engagement in Cambodia during Vietnam War: The United States conducted its first military attack on Cambodia when the 1st Infantry Division was fired upon by mortar while patrolling in the Tây Ninh Province, near the border between South Vietnam and the neutral Cambodia.
  • 1967 Egypt Raises Military Alert amid Middle East Tensions: United Arab Republic (UAR) President Gamal Abdul Nasser placed Egyptian military forces on high alert, signaling escalating tensions in the Middle East. This action was a critical moment preceding the Six-Day War, which would dramatically reshape regional geopolitics.
  • 1968 Deadly Tornado Strikes Jonesboro, Arkansas: A devastating tornado hit Jonesboro, Arkansas, USA at 10 PM, resulting in 36 fatalities and significant destruction. This event was part of a larger tornado outbreak affecting multiple states in the central and southern United States.
  • 1969 People's Park Protest: Bloody Thursday: At the University of California, Berkeley, Governor Ronald Reagan ordered the fencing off of a student-owned park, triggering a significant protest and violent confrontation. The incident, known as Bloody Thursday, marked a dramatic moment of civil unrest during the late 1960s, highlighting tensions between student activists and government authorities.
  • 1970 Beatles' Final Record Release: The Beatles released their final record album, 'Let It Be', in the United States, marking the end of an era in music history.
  • 1971 IRA Member Killed in Belfast: William 'Billy' Reid, a member of the Irish Republican Army, is killed by British soldiers in Belfast during the height of the Northern Ireland conflict.
  • 1972 George Wallace Assassination Attempt: In Laurel, Maryland, Arthur Bremer shoots and critically wounds Alabama Governor George Wallace during his presidential campaign, leaving Wallace permanently paralyzed. The shooting occurred at a political rally and dramatically impacted Wallace's political career and the 1972 presidential race.
  • 1973 Denis Potvin NHL Draft: The New York Islanders selected defenseman Denis Potvin with the first overall pick in the 1973 NHL Amateur Draft. Potvin would go on to become a franchise cornerstone, playing his entire 15-year career with the Islanders and eventually being inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame.
  • 1974 Ma'alot Massacre: A tragic terrorist attack by the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine (DFLP) at an Israeli school in Ma'alot, where armed militants took hostages and resulted in the devastating deaths of 31 people, including 22 innocent schoolchildren. This horrific event highlighted the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the brutal tactics employed by extremist groups.
  • 1975 Mayaguez Incident: US Military Rescue Operation: The American merchant ship Mayaguez, which was seized by Cambodian Khmer Rouge forces, was rescued by the U.S. Navy and Marines in a complex military operation. During the rescue, 38 Americans tragically lost their lives, marking a significant and dramatic conclusion to official U.S. combat actions in Southeast Asia.
  • 1976 Tragic Aeroflot Flight 1802 Crash: A devastating aviation disaster occurred when Aeroflot Flight 1802, an Antonov An-24 propeller plane, suffered a critical mechanical failure near Viktorivka, Chernihiv Raion, Chernihiv Oblast, Ukraine. All 52 people aboard the flight perished in this tragic accident, highlighting the importance of aircraft maintenance and safety protocols.
  • 1977 Liu Bei Proclaims Himself Emperor of Shu Han: In a significant historical moment during the Three Kingdoms period of China, Liu Bei, a prominent warlord, formally proclaimed himself emperor of Shu Han, establishing a new political entity and claiming succession from the Han dynasty.
  • 1978 Klemens von Metternich's Birth: Klemens von Metternich, a prominent German-Austrian statesman who served as the 1st State Chancellor of the Austrian Empire, was born on this day in 1773, playing a crucial role in European diplomacy.
  • 1979 Margaret Thatcher Becomes First Female UK Prime Minister: Margaret Thatcher, leader of Britain's Conservative Party, made history by becoming the first woman to serve as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. After Prime Minister James Callaghan submitted his resignation to Queen Elizabeth II, Thatcher accepted the Queen's request to form a new government and immediately proceeded to 10 Downing Street, marking a significant milestone in British political history.
  • 1980 First Trans-US Balloon Crossing: Maxie Anderson and his son Chris completed the first non-stop transcontinental balloon flight across the United States, piloting the Kitty Hawk balloon for five days, marking a significant achievement in aviation and long-distance ballooning.
  • 1981 George Harrison Single Release: George Harrison released the single 'All Those Years Ago' in the UK, a poignant tribute to his former Beatles bandmate John Lennon, who was tragically murdered in 1980.
  • 1982 Jack Kaenel Wins 108th Preakness Stakes: In a remarkable achievement, 16-year-old Jack Kaenel rode Aloma's Ruler to victory in the 108th Preakness Stakes, completing the race in an impressive time of 1:55.4.
  • 1983 Madison Hotel Implosion: The Madison Hotel in Boston, Massachusetts, was demolished via controlled implosion, marking a significant moment in the city's urban redevelopment and architectural transformation.
  • 1984 US Nuclear Test at Nevada Test Site: On May 15, 1984, the United States carried out a nuclear weapons test at the Nevada Test Site, a designated area for underground and atmospheric nuclear testing. This test was part of the ongoing nuclear arms race and weapons development program during the Cold War period.
  • 1985 Unabomber Attacks University of California Researcher: Ted Kaczynski, known as the Unabomber, sends an explosive device that injures John Hauser, a researcher at the University of California, Berkeley, as part of his anti-technology terrorist campaign.
  • 1986 Top Gun Movie Release: The iconic action film Top Gun, starring Tom Cruise, was released in the United States. The movie became a massive cultural phenomenon, significantly impacting popular cinema and aviation culture in the 1980s.
  • 1987 Soviet Union Launches Polyus Orbital Weapons Platform: The Soviet Union attempted to launch the Polyus prototype orbital weapons platform, which ultimately failed to reach orbit. This was a significant moment in the Cold War-era space and military technology development.
  • 1988 Soviet Troop Withdrawal from Afghanistan: The Soviet Union began withdrawing its 115,000 troops from Afghanistan, marking the end of a prolonged and costly military intervention that lasted over eight years. This withdrawal signaled a significant turning point in the Cold War and the Soviet Union's foreign policy.
  • 1989 Gorbachev's Historic Sino-Soviet Summit: Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev travels to Beijing for the first Sino-Soviet summit in 30 years, marking a significant diplomatic breakthrough in relations between the Soviet Union and China.
  • 1990 Torreón Massacre: During the Mexican Revolution, forces led by Francisco I. Madero launched a brutal attack on Chinese and Japanese immigrant communities in Torreón, resulting in the tragic deaths of over 300 Chinese and five Japanese immigrants. This event highlighted the racial tensions and violence of the period.
  • 1991 Edith Cresson Becomes France's First Female Prime Minister: Edith Cresson of the Socialist Party made history by becoming France's first female Prime Minister. However, her tenure was short-lived, lasting less than a year due to rising unemployment and declining party support.
  • 1992 Devastating Earthquake in Uzbekistan: A significant magnitude 6.2 earthquake struck Uzbekistan, causing extensive damage. The seismic event resulted in three fatalities, completely destroyed 5,500 houses, and severely damaged an additional 4,000 houses, highlighting the region's vulnerability to geological instability.
  • 1993 Deadly Methane Gas Explosion in South African Coal Mine: A tragic methane gas explosion in a coal mine in Secunda, South Africa, results in the loss of 50 lives, highlighting the dangerous working conditions in the mining industry.
  • 1994 Nelson Mandela Becomes South Africa's First Black President: Nelson Mandela is inaugurated as South Africa's first democratically elected president, marking a historic moment in the nation's transition from apartheid to a multi-racial democracy. This landmark event symbolizes the end of institutionalized racial segregation and the beginning of a new era of reconciliation and hope for South Africa.
  • 1995 Panchen Lama Controversy: Six-year-old Gedhun Choekyi Nyima is recognized as the 11th reincarnation of the Panchen Lama by the Dalai Lama. Shortly after this declaration, the Chinese government detains the young Tibetan boy, sparking international concern over religious and cultural suppression.
  • 1996 Indonesian Military Rescues Hostages in Irian Jaya: On May 15, 1996, the Indonesian military conducted a successful rescue operation against the Free Papua Organization (OPM), freeing nine hostages in Irian Jaya (now Papua). During the operation, two additional hostages were tragically found dead. This incident highlighted the ongoing tensions and conflict in the region between separatist groups and the Indonesian government.
  • 1997 Presidential Apology for Tuskegee Syphilis Study: President Bill Clinton issues a formal apology to survivors and families affected by the unethical Tuskegee Syphilis Study, a deeply controversial medical research project that deliberately withheld treatment from African American men with syphilis.
  • 1998 Iraqi Missile Technology Acquisition Attempt: The United Nations Special Commission (UNSCOM) discovered that an Iraqi delegation traveled to Bucharest, Romania, with the intention of meeting with scientists to potentially acquire advanced missile guidance systems. This event was significant in the context of ongoing international tensions and concerns about Iraq's weapons capabilities in the late 1990s, following the Gulf War and during the period of UN sanctions.
  • 1999 First Major League Soccer Stadium Opens: Columbus Crew Stadium (now known as Historic Crew Stadium) is inaugurated, marking a significant milestone in American soccer infrastructure. This venue becomes the first purpose-built Major League Soccer stadium in the United States, symbolizing the growing popularity and professionalization of soccer in the country.
  • 2001 Driverless CSX Train Incident in Ohio: On May 15, 2001, a CSX EMD SD40-2 locomotive unexpectedly rolled out of a train yard in Walbridge, Ohio, after its engineer failed to reboard the train after setting a yard switch. The unmanned train, carrying 47 freight cars including tank cars with flammable chemicals, traveled approximately 66 miles (106 km) southward without a driver until it was successfully halted near Kenton. This remarkable incident later inspired the 2010 Hollywood film 'Unstoppable', dramatizing the dangerous potential of an uncontrolled train.
  • 2002 Netherlands General Election of 2002: The Netherlands held general elections for the Lower House of Parliament, marking a significant political shift. The election was notable for the emergence of the Lijst Pim Fortuyn (LPF), a new political party that dramatically disrupted the traditional political landscape.
  • 2003 China's SARS Containment Measures: China announces comprehensive measures to combat the SARS epidemic, including lifting the ban on foreign baby adoptions and implementing severe penalties, including potential execution, for knowingly spreading the disease.
  • 2004 Torreón Massacre: During the Mexican Revolution, forces led by Francisco I. Madero committed a tragic massacre, killing 303 Chinese and 5 Japanese immigrants in Torreón.
  • 2005 US Diplomatic Efforts and Violence in Iraq: US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice visited Iraq, urging patience in combating insurgency. The visit was overshadowed by the grim discovery of 34 bodies in Baghdad and Iskandariya, believed to be victims of execution.
  • 2006 US-Libya Diplomatic Breakthrough: The United States State Department announced a historic diplomatic breakthrough by re-establishing relations with Libya and removing the country from its terrorism support list, marking a significant shift in international relations.
  • 2007 Peshawar Hotel Bombing: A devastating bomb attack on a hotel in Peshawar, Pakistan, results in at least 24 fatalities, underscoring the persistent terrorism challenges in the region.
  • 2008 Devastating Wenchuan Earthquake: The Wenchuan earthquake, measuring 7.8 in magnitude, struck Sichuan, China, causing massive destruction. Over 87,000 people were killed, 374,643 injured, and between 4.8 million and 11 million people were left homeless.
  • 2009 Eurozone Economic Contraction: The Eurozone's 16 national economies experienced a significant economic contraction of 2.5% in the first quarter of 2009, reflecting the global financial crisis's widespread impact.
  • 2010 Google Wi-Fi Data Collection Admission: Google publicly acknowledges improper collection of data from unencrypted Wi-Fi networks over the past three years and grounds its Street View cars to halt further unauthorized data gathering.
  • 2011 Nakba Day Demonstrations: At least 15 people were reported killed during Nakba Day demonstrations, commemorating the displacement of Palestinians during the establishment of Israel in 1948.
  • 2012 Eurozone Narrowly Avoids Recession: Due to relatively high economic growth in Germany, the combined economy of 17 eurozone countries narrowly avoids a recession, with the overall growth being zero during the first quarter of 2012.
  • 2013 Eurozone Economic Stagnation: The Eurozone entered its sixth consecutive quarter of recession, with major economies like France, Spain, and Italy experiencing negative growth, while Germany showed minimal economic expansion.
  • 2014 MV Sewol Sinking: Crew Charged: In the aftermath of the tragic MV Sewol ferry sinking off South Korea's coast, 15 crew members were formally charged in connection with the disaster. Four additional individuals, including the ship's captain, faced homicide charges, reflecting the severe negligence that led to significant loss of life.
  • 2015 Boston Marathon Bomber Sentenced: Dzhokhar Tsarnaev (corrected spelling) was sentenced for his involvement in the Boston Marathon Bombings, a terrorist attack that shocked the United States and led to significant discussions about domestic terrorism and public safety.
  • 2016 Rodrigo Duterte Elected President of Philippines: Rodrigo Duterte was elected President of the Philippines, pledging to reinstate capital punishment and authorize security forces to use 'shoot to kill' tactics against organized crime and resisting arrests. He was set to take office on June 30, 2016.
  • 2017 Trump Classified Information Controversy: President Donald Trump allegedly revealed classified intelligence information to Russian officials in the Oval Office, potentially compromising sensitive intelligence sources related to the Islamic State.
  • 2018 Deadly Gaza Border Protests: On May 15, 2018, a significant and tragic event occurred at the Gaza border, where 58 Palestinians were killed and 1,700 were hospitalized during protests marking the US embassy's move to Jerusalem and Israel's 70th anniversary. The protests were met with severe military response from Israeli forces.
  • 2019 Alabama Passes Strict Abortion Ban: Alabama Governor Kay Ivey signs the Human Life Protection Act, effectively banning all abortions in the state except those necessary to prevent grave health risks to the woman. The law reclassifies abortion and attempted abortion as Class A felonies, sparking intense national debate about reproductive rights.
  • 2020 COVID-19 Medical Insights and CDC Response: A University of Michigan study on May 15, 2020, significantly revised COVID-19 ventilator survival rates, increasing estimates from 10-12% to 25-50%. The CDC took notable steps in pandemic management by appointing a Chief Health Equity Officer and issuing a Health Alert Network warning about Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C), highlighting emerging pediatric complications of the coronavirus.
  • 2021 China Successfully Lands Rover on Mars: China achieved a significant milestone in space exploration by successfully landing a rover on Mars, marking another step in the country's growing space program capabilities.
  • 2022 Finland's Historic NATO Membership Application: Finland's government officially announces its intention to apply for NATO membership, marking a significant geopolitical shift following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. This decision ends decades of military neutrality and represents a major strategic realignment in Northern European security dynamics.
  • 2023 Turkey's Presidential Election Moves to Runoff: Turkey's presidential election has failed to produce a clear winner in the first round, necessitating a runoff. This development signals a potentially significant political transition and reflects the competitive nature of Turkish democratic processes.

What Is special about May 15?

May 15 is notable for a variety of important historical, cultural, and significant events, including famous birthdays and deaths, holidays and more. Find out everything about May 15.